Means for separating stones from clay.



R. W. LYLE.

MEANS PoR SBPARATING STONES PROM CLAY.

APPLICATION FILED JULY Z, 1909. RENEWBD PEB. 4, 1914,

6 SHEETS-SHEET 1.

Patented Apr. 7, 1914 a mmm/Er. y

R. W. LYLE.

MEANS FOR SEPABATING STONES FROM CLAY.

APPLIOATIONJILBD JULYz, 1909. nmmwnn H1154, 1914.

1,092380, Patented Apr. 7, 1914 SHEETS- SHEET 2.

l/vv ma'A n# Za.

' mann/fr,

R. W. LYLE.

MEANS FOR SBPARATING STONES FROM CLAY.

APPLICATION FILED JULY 2, 1909. EBNEWED PEB. 4, 1914.

1,092,70.. Patented Apr. 7, 1914 6 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

` R. W'. LYLB. MEANS POR SBPABATING STONES PROM GLAY. APPLIUATIQN FILED JULY 1909. RENBWED PEB. 4, 1914. 1,092,780.. Patented Apr. 7, 1914 s SHEETS-SHEBT 4.

R. W. LYLE.

MEANS POR SBPABATING STONES FROM. CLAY. APPLIUATION FILED JULY 2, 1909. RENEWED FEB. 4, 1914,

1,0925780. Patented Apr. 7, 1914 6 SHEETS-SHEET 5.

R. W. LYLE.

MEANS FOR SBPARATING STONES FROM CLAY. APPLICATION FILED JULY 2, 1909. RBNEWBD IBB. 4, 1914.,

1,092,780. Patented Apr. 7, 1914;

6 SHEETS-SHEET 6.

gli

ROBERT 'W'. LYLE, OF NEW YORK, N. Y., ASSIGNOR TO LYLECLAY CLEANER., COMPANY,

A CORPORATION OF NEW JERSEY.

MEANS FOR SWARTING STONES FROM CLAY.

Specication of Letters Patent.

I Patented Apr. "i, 19M..

Applieatipn led'J'ul-y 2, 1909 Serial No. 505,'204. Renewed February 4,. 19M. Serial No. 516,613.

To' all whom it may' concern Be it known' that I ROBERT W. Lynn, a citizen of theUnited- States, and resident of New York, in the county and State ot New York, have invented certain newl and useful Improvements in Means for Separating Stones from Clay, of which the following is a speciiication.

This invention relates to means for separating stone from clay, and-it comprises an improved .apparatus by which coarse clay direct from the clay bank is automatically separated and cleaned so that the clay is reduced to fine shavings and delivered in perfectly cleaned condition for use in the mixing machine, and the stones and other coarse elements are separatelydeliv-ered at a desired point. V

rlhe object of my invention and improvements is to provide means of the character specied, which will be simple, rapid and economical and which will operate with the 'highest effectiveness and eiliciency. Y

ln the manufacture of clay products,the

coarse clay as it comes from theclay bank isnot .adapted for proper service, as it contains stones which would render the manufactured product defective, and means have therefore been devised for overcoming .this condition in the clay, the most effective prior means for this purpose bein rolls ieldingly mounted, between which t e cru e clay is passed and by which the stones are broken into smallaparticles.` But, by this method'of treating t-he clay, the stones are merely mul- L tiplied .and distributed throughout the mass,

and manufactured products made from clay thus treated are defective. In apparatus 'heretofore designed to separate the stones from the clay, the stones are liable to clog the apparatus and render any effective operation practically impossible or deficient.

My invention is designed to overcome all the conditions disadvantages heretofore experienced and to enable the perfect separation and cleaning of the crude clay in such a manner that all the stones and undesirable Velen'lentsare completely eliminated when the -f cleaned clayis ready for the mixing Inachine, 'thus insuring. a manufacturedL product-which will be free from' any liability to such defects as holes, excrescences, pit-ting,

blowing' ory flaking.

f In'the drawings-Figure 1 is a sideelevavertical transverse sectional view, taken on the line ygy, Fig. et. Fig. 7 is a detail section-al view illustrating the action of the knives in passing' around the are of the sprocket-wheels. Fig. 8 is a detail sectional' view illustrating the operation of the trapoutlets. Fig. 9 is a detail perspective view illustrating the knife construction. Fig. 10 is a detail sectional view illustrating the selfsharpening adjustment of the knives. Fig. 11 is a vertical longitudinal sectional View of a modied construction of the apparatus, illustrating a modified arrangementof the means for delivering the shaved and cleaned clay from the apparatus. vFig. 12

'is a vertical transverse sectional View of the modiiied construct-ion shown in Fig- V11. Fig. 13 is a vertical longitudinal sectional View, illustrating another modified construe.- tion of the apparatus. Fig.. ltis a vertical transverse sectional View of theconstruction shown in Fig. 13. .Fig 15 is a detailsectional View', illustrating a modified construction V:tor the adjustment of the knives. Fig. 16 is a detail plan view of the under side of the 'construction shown1 in Fig. 15.

Corresponding parts in all theV figures are denoted by the same reference characters.

Referring to the drawings, l designates a suitable frame, which preferably comprises supporting standards, 2, carrying longitudisol nal side beams, 3, and. endl cross-beams, 4.

over sprocket-wheels, and for this purpose shafts, 5, are journaled upon. the side beams 3,adjacent each end of the apparatus, which `shafts carry sprocket-wheels, 6, adjacent each end of the shaft and fwithin the'side beams 3. Said shafts andi sprocket-wheels thus constitute a' drum-like revolvingfstructure at each end of the apparatus. Sprocketchains, 7, pass around the sprocket-wheels' 6 and are connected' by cross-pieces, 8, carrying knives, 9, the cenetructio-n of which will: behereinafter speciiically described. -The sprocket-chains and crossieces and knives thus constitute an endless elt whichtravels roo horizontally at the top of the apparatus and from end to end thereof, and forms the top operative. surface of the apparatus, and which during its travel depends by gravity in approximately V-shape downwardly from and between the en d sprocket mechanism and beneath the top portlon of the apparatus. This l'oose downwardly-depending portion of the belt is supported upon and guided by inclined convergent tracks or guide strips, 10, comprised in the frame 1, upon which the cross-pieces or bars 8 slide or travel during.

the movement of the belt. The members 1() thus constitute a guide-frame which converges downwardly from each end of the apparatus. Between the end beams 4, at the top portion of the frame 1,v are arranged a series of guide strips, 11, extending longitu top of this chute 12 is co-extensive with the length and width ofthe horizontal top portion of the endless belt, so that all the shaved and cleaned clay passing through said belt at all points in the operative status of the horizontal top portion of the belt will be deposited upon said chute and be delivered at the discharge end thereof. Said chute 12 occupies the space within the lower loose depending portion of the endless belt, as

shown. To transmit motion to the belt, a

gear, 14, meshes with a gear, 15, said latter gear being fixed upon one of the shafts of the sprocket mechanism and said gear 14 being xed upon a shaft, 16, journaled upon the side bar 3 of the frame 1 and carrying a band-wheel, 17, from which a power belt, 18, vextends to any suitable source of power.

With relation to the terminal end of the horizontal to Vportion of theendless belt, is arranged a c ute, 19, having its o pen top at 'a point immediately beneath the lower terminal of the arc described by the belt in passing around and downwardly from the sprocket mechanism, said chute being carried by the frame 1 .and inclined downwardly so that its discharge end is at a suitable point away from the end of the apparatus. The open top end of said chute 19 is co-extensive with the width of the endless belt, so that the stones and refuse matter from the clay, passing from the top surface of' the belt, or the stones released from the belt when the knives 9 open up in describing the arc around the sprocket mechanism,

will at all points of the transverse area of the belt be received by said chute 19 and be delivered by the same at its lower end. At the top of the frame 1 of the apparatus, is provided a guide-frame consisting of side strips, 20, extending above the horizontal top portion ot' the endless belt, at each side and longitudinally with relation thereto, to the terminal end where said horizontal top portion of the belt curves over' and downwardly from the sprocket mechanism, the purpose of this guide-frame being to retain the stones or-clay upon the operative surface of the belt continuously to the point ot deposit upon the end chute 19.

A hopper, v21, is'provided immediately above the initial end of thel horizontal top portion of the endless belt', which hopper has an open top co-extensive with the transverse area and with a portion of the longitudinal arca. of said horizontal top portion f the belt. The lower edge of the open end of said hopper is close tothe top surface ot the belt, for instance, in practice, about one eighth of an inch, and the horizontal top portion of the belt beneath the hopper 21 thus constitutes the bottom of said hopper. '1he hopper 2t direi-ges or expands toward its open bottom, 2l, for which purpose the sides, 22, of the hopper are inclined convergently upward, as shown, whereby any clogging or bridging of the lumps of damp crude clay in its feed downwardly Awithin the hopper is obviated. The feed of crude clay to the apparatus is through the hopper 21, and an inclined feed chute, 23, preferably extends to thel hopper from a suitable point of clay supply.

ln the construction of the. cndlessbelt constituted by the sprocket-chains 7 and the crossbars S and knives 9, the belt is practically closed except for narrow transverse openings, as at 24, formed by a space existing between the cutting edge of each knife and the rear edgeof the next adjoining cross-bar 8. Each link, 25, of the sprocketchain 7, carries a cross-bar 8, the latter beingl suitably fastened at its ends to the links of the respective chains at each side of the belt, by bolting, as atv 2G, o'r otherwise. Each cross-bar 8 carries a cutting knife 9, extending transversely of the belt, the cutting edge of which constitutes the front edge. of the cross-bar 8. Each cross-bar 8 is provided at the forward part of its outer face with a concave recess, 27, the bottom of which forms a segment, which recess ext-ends on the longitudinal plane of the bar and transversely of the'belt, and -in this` recess is set a plate of spring or resilient steel, 28. extending longitudinally in the recess and constituting the cutting knife. 'A clamping plate, 29, extending from end to end of said recess, bears upon the knife-plate 28 and binds the same in position, said-clamping plate 29 having its outer face flush with the outer face of the bar 8 and its inner face, 30, curved in convex form, so that it constit-utes a segment corresponding to the concave recess 27 and thus binds the knife-plate 28 in concave segmental contour and position. To provide for thus clamping the knife-plate or blade, a series of screw-bolts, 31,-pass through thread-ed openings, 32, in the cross-bar 8, from the inner or under side thereof, and through openings, 33, in the knife-plate 28, `and into threaded openings, 34, in the clamping plate 29. Thus, by adjustment of said screw-bolts 31, the knifeplate is firmly 'clamped in operative position with its forward edge, 35, projecting a short distance from the front edge of the cross-y bar '8 and from between said bar and the clamping plate 29. The adjustment-of the knife-plate 28 is such that its'front edge 35 pre-jects a short distance above theplane of the outer or top surface of the clamping plate 29 and the bar 8, and said edge 35 is at an angle to the transverse plane or diameter of the plate, as shown, thus constituting a sharp cutting edge. This cutting edge 35 thus projects above the outer or top plane of the cross-bar 8 immediately in front of it, and during the travel of the horizontal portion of the endless/belt said 'cutting edge 35 is coincident with the vertical plane of the rear edge of said immediately adjacent cross-bar, the distance between said rear edge of the latter and said cutting edge 35 being preferably about oneeighth of an inch, which forms an open space transversely of the belt,ithrough which the shavings of cleaned and separated clay can pass and drop through the belt as they are cut by the edge 35 during the travel in a horizontal yplane ofthe operative top portion of the belt. To facilitate the passage of the clay, as just described, said open space is widened or enlarged beneath its mouth, by having the front edge, 3G, of the crossbars 8, beveled or inclined rearwardly, asv

shown. While said transverse opening at the cutting edge of the knives maintains uniformity the dimensions as just described, during the travel of the operative portion of the belt in a horizontal plane, it will be understood that whenpthe terminal end of thehorizontal portion of the belt describes the are of travel over the sprocket mechanism, said space will open up and become wider, by reason of the relatively-angular Vposition then assumed by the.cross-bars 8, and. permit any stones or matter which have lodged in said narrow space during the travel of the belt in a horizontal plane todrop out, as will be hereinafter further described. The knife-plates orblades l28 are adjustable forwardly, so that when the cutting edge 35 becomes dull a new cutting edge can be projected, instead of the tedious and expensive operation of manually sharpening the old edge. This is effected by having the openings 33 in the knife-plate 28 extended in the form of a slot tou'ardthe rear edge ofthe knife-plate, as shown, so that by release of the screw-bolts 3l the .knife-plate may 'be adjusted forwardly between the cross-bar 8 and the clamping plate 29 and then again secured and clamped in this adjusted position. As this adjustment moves the knife-plate in the are of a circle, the dulled cutting edge will, in the forward adjustment and change of position of the knife-plate, assume the same position as the cutting edge 35 originally had before it was dulled, and thus constitute a new cutting edge in perfect initial shape and position, whereby the knives are self-sharpening under the act of idjustment. The relative construction andl arrangement, providing for the adjustment of the knives to maintain a normal cutting edge, as just described, is also advantageous for the reason that it enables the utilization of the metal of a substantial portion of the full width of the knife-plates before it becomes necessary to substitute new knife-plates. In' practice, the width of the cross-bars 8 is preferably about four inches, and thus the cutting edges and transverse openings in the belt occur at intervals of about four inches, which produces the most rapid and effective result in the action of the belt for separating and cleaning the crude clay and for opening up the belt openings in describing the are of movement around the sprocket mechanism in the action of releasing any stones or matter which may have lodged in the belt openings p during the separating and cleaning operation.

The forward end ofthe 'feed hopper 2l is open transversely for a. short distance at the bottom and immediately above the horizontal portion of the endless belt, as lat 37, said opening being preferably about three inches in depth, and in front of said transverse opening is provided a series of pivoted traps, 38, which collectively close said opening 37. These trap-outlets38 extendin series entirely across the opening 37 and are independently pivoted at theirv upper portion, as at 39, said pivots being preferably upon a bracket or brackets, 39, projecting from the front wall of the hopper 21 above the opening 37, and their lower edges, 40, depend closely with relation tothe horizontal. portion of the endless belt. Each of said trapoutlets 38 is Weighted beneath its hinge or pivot, preferably by means of an arm, 41, projecting forwardly from the trap-outlet 38 and inclined upwardly and provided in its top edge with" asseries of recesses, 4 2, which receive a bail for hanger, 43,carrying a weight, 44, which is thus suspended and which can be adjusted by moving the hanger 43 with relation to the series of retaining rel cesses 42. The act-ion of the series of weighted and suspended trap-outlets 38 is such that the pressure of the crude clay in the hopper 5 2l which may pass the small bottom opening 37 will not actuate said traps and be released such hard substances carried along by the.

travel of the belt and not soft enough to granulate against the resistance ofthe weighted traps, and the trap-outlets 38 will thus open against itsl weighted resistance sufficiently to permit the release of stones and their carriage forward by the belt to the point of deposit, and will automatically close when the resistance offered by the passage of the stones is released. The arrangement of the trap-outlets 38 in series, and individually mounted so that they independently operate, provides an effective operation with relation to the condition of the clay and stones passing the opening 37, for at one point there may be no resistance to actuate 'the trap-outlet and at another point such conditions may occur.. Thus, during the operative action of this portion of the apparatus, ythe trap-outlets 38 independently move in a manner similar to the action of piano keys, the series of trap-outlets being in arrangement similar to a key-board. In practice, the trap-outlets 38 are preferably about four inches in width. From the foregoing description, it will be understood that 4,0 the action of the trap-outlet construction with relation to the feed hopper construction and the travel of the horizontal portion of the endless belt, as just described, is such that the lumps of crude clay are retained within the hopper 21, and the smaller parts thereof which maypass the small bottom opening 37 are retained back of the trap-putlets 38, until the entire body of clay is thoroughly acted upon bythe knives of the end? less belt and shaved into particles which pass through the transverse openings V24 in the belt and are deposited upon the chute 12, while the stones and refuse matter of the clay pass through the opening 37 and are automatically released by action of the trapoutlets. In relation to the thorough subjec tion of the lumps of clayin the hopper 21 tothe action of the cutting knives, it will y be noted that the travel of the endless belt, tends todirect the lumps of clay againstrv the front wall of the hopper and thus causes their turning movement in an upward and rearward and downward direction, as indi- .cated by the arrows in Fig. 3,. whereby the lumps of clay are kept in active movement' within the hopper and theirvarious sides or surface portions are subjected to the action of the knives. v y

'If desired, a supplementary set of trapoutlets 38 may be arranged, as herein shown, 70 in front of the trap-outlet mechanism adjacent the hopper opening 37, whereby .the trap-outlet action may be repeatedupon the stones and any clay particles that may be passed by the'first set of trap-outlets This 75 supplementary set of trap-outlets, as shown at 45, corresponds in all its structural characteristics to the initial set or series hereinabove described, and may be pivotally suspended from a cross-bar, 46, mounted upon and between the side strips 2O of the top. frame of the apparatus, this cross-bar being at a suitable distance point in front of tho first set or series of trap-outlets.`

Within the top frame of the apparatus above the horizontal top portion of the endless belt, and immediately in front of thev trap-outlet mechanism in front of the feed hopper 21, is arranged aI baffle, 47, constituted by side strips, 48-48, extending 90 from the side strip-s 20 of the top frame of, the apparatus and converging forwardly, a small opening, as at 49, being provided at said front convergent end. This baffle o er-v ates to direct any particles of clay, w ich 4may be passed by the trap-outlet means,

toward its front end 49and to assembleand retain such clay particles within its convergent sides,` whereby the clay particles will be continuously acted upon by the knives during their travel immediately beneath Athe ba'ie. The baffle thus serves, in a sense, as a secondary hopper for the material which is being (acted upon. The lower edge of the side strips 48 of the baffle preferably has a yielding function, and for this purpose said lower edgel may be formed of a continuous strip, as at 50, of flexible material, as for instancea rubber fabric, or of yielding or spring metal, said strip 50 being suit-ably secured to the side strips 48 and projecting beneath the same' to close relationiip with the top surface of the horizontal portion of the endless lbelt. Thus, the bottom edge of the baffle is adapted to permit the passage under the sides of the baie of any stone or hard substances which being carried by the knives overcome the resistance o-f the `yield ing strip 50, but will not permit the'passage `of particles of clay which are soft enough to be acted upon by the knives without over'- coming the resistance of the strip 50. The refuse matter from the baffle is also permitted to pass therefrom at the small front opening 49 at the convergent end thereof. 125

` In the construction as hereinabove described,

the material to be treated is acted upon continuously, by the cutting edges of the endless belt, not only within the feed hopper 21 but at all points of the horizontal 130 V-shaped contour of the baffle and pivotedv "or hinged, Iat its vrear edge, as at 52, to a cross-strip, 53, mounted between the side strips 2O of the top frame of the apparatus. The drag 51 is thus adapted to work upon its hinged or pivoted rear edge so that its body portion will move downwardly and upwardly within the baille between the side strips 48 and hear upon the `material con-f tained within the baille, thus exerting pressure to force and retain said material against the cutting edges of the endless belt. The drag 51 may be weighted, as at 54, by a suitable,weight mounted upon its forward portion, yto augment its operative action. Intersecting the front portion of the baille, preferably on the plane of the front opening 49 thereof, but not closing said opening, is arranged a cross-strip, 55, extending transversely between the side strips 20 of the top frame of the apparatus and constituting a retarding wall for the stones or particles which may be passed by the bottom edge strips 50 of the side walls 48 of the baffle and be carried upon the portions of the endless belt which are outside the area of the baille. The retarding wall 55 thus operates toret-ain the material for the action of the cutting edges ofthe belt at each side the area of the baflie, and it is provided at its lower edge with a yielding strip, 56, corresponding to the strips 50, to permit the passage of stones and hard particles and retard the passage of the material can be reduced by the knives.

If desired, a supplementary battle, as here` in shown at 57, may be arranged immediately in front of the cross-strip 55 constitilting the retarding wall, as just described, which supplementary balile corresponds in construction` to the ,baille immediately in front of the trap-outlet means, so that the material passed by the first baille 47 and by the retarding wall 55 will again be subjected to the baliie action; and at the front portion of the supplementary baflie 57 may be arranged a supplementary retarding wall, as herein shown at 58, corresponding in construction to the cross-strip 55 at the rear of the supplementary baille 57 and operating to'retard the passage of the material passed by the sides of the supplementary battle 57. The baffle means and the ing wall means and the trap-outlet means may be multiplied as desired, and Aduplicated in their successive arrangement,` over the surface-area of the horizontal top portion of the endless belt, so that the material being treated can -be successively acted upon by the various means a number of times before modified construction of the apparatus, 'in

transverse retard-V it reaches the discharge end of the horizontal portion of the belt, for instance, a trap-outlet means corresponding in construction to that hereinabove described may be provided as the final retarding means immediately above the frontend of the horizontal portion of the endless belt where the latter passes over and around the sprocket mechanism. From the foregoing description, it will be understood that the material is acted upon successively and a plurality of times throughout the whole areaof the horizontal top portion of the endless belt.

=In Figs. r11 and 12, 'I have illustrated a which the delivery chute 12 for the shaved and cleaned clay is dispensed with, and the depending loose bottom portion of the endless belt passes in horizontal position directly from and between the end sprocket mechanism, and the lower guide-framelO is omitted. In lieu of the parts just mentioned, this modified construction embodies` anvendless delivery belt, as at 59, for receivl ing and conveying and depositing the shaved 1 90 and cleaned clay which drops through andi from tho horizontal top portion of the endless belt. This delivery belt 59 may be of any vsuitable or adapted fabric or material and operates at right angles to the knife belt? so that its horizontal top portion travels within the knife belt andbeneath the horizontal top portion of the knife belt and corresponds in width to the longitudinal extent of said horizontal top portion of the knife belt, While its bottom horizontal .portion travels beneath the bottom horizontal portion' of the knife belt. Saidtransverse delivery' belt159 is'mounted upon and carried uitableend drums, 60, and connected by le gear mechanism, as at 61, with the `I-gea-r of the apparatus. In this 'modified construction, transverse strips, as

at 62, maybe arranged within the top frame of the apparatus, at each of the -side edgesuiu of the horizontal top portion of the delivery belt 59 and beneath the horizontal top .portion of the knife belt. Said strips 62 extend across the width of the horizontal top p0rtion of the knife belt and project abovethe horizontal top portion of the delivery belt 59 and thus constitute guides for retaining the shaved .and cleaned clay upon the de livery belt until it reaches the point of delivery therefrom. At the delivery end of the belt 59 may be arranged a suitable chute, as at 33, for receiving the product delivered A therefron i and conveying the same to the dej sired point of deposit.

In Figs. 18 and 14, I have illustrated a further modified construction, in which the 'cross-bars 8` and knives 9 are not arranged inthe form .of a sprocket-driven beltbutr Vare mounted upon animar spiders or end frames,` 64 and 65, the crosslbars 8 'being 1 3() bolted or otherwise secured to the peripheries of said end frames. The end frame 65 is of less diameter than the end frame 64, whereby said frames and the cross-bars and knives constitute a conical drum the outer surface of which is formed by the cross-bars and knives and the larger end of which, 64, is open. This drum is mounted upon a lon gitudinal shaft, 66, by which the spider or end frames 64 and 65 are carried, and said shaft carries a gear mechanism, as at 67, by which power may be transmitted for the revolution of the conical drum. In this construction, the shaved and cleaned clay drops through the openings between the knife edges 35 and cross-bars 8 into the interior of the drum, and by reason of the conical contour thereof feeds down the interior incline of the drum to the lower portion ofthe larger open end 64 thereof, from whence it passes to a suitable delivery chute, as at 68. In this modified construction of the cutting mechanism of the apparatus, the feed hopper 21 corresponds in its general features of construction to the feed hopper as employed in the sprocket belt construction herein described, and said hopper overlies the longitudinal extent of the revolving drum and its bottom portion incloses a segment of said drum at the top thereof. At the front of said hopper is arranged a set or series of trapoutletS, corresponding in construction to the trap-outlet arrangement hereinbefore described and operating with respect to the peripheral surface of the drum, and, if 'de. sired, the same general arrangement of baffle means and resistance-wall` means and guide-frame may be employed with relation to a portion of the peripheral surface of the drum in front of said trap-outlet means. Thus, the stones and refuse matter will be deposited from the surface of the drum to a suitable chute, as at 69, While the shaved a-nd'cleaned clay will be deposited from the interior ofthe drum. This modified construction is effectively adapted for use in treating clay of comparatively fine quality in which a small percentage of snall stones exists.

In Figs. 15 and 16, I have illustrated a modified construction of the cross-bars 8 and a modified adjustable arrangement of the knife-plates 28 with relation to said cross. bars. In this construction, the outer face of the cross-bar 8 is flat, and the underside of its front or forward edge is curved or beveled in segment-al contour, as at 70, to conform to the conca-ve segmental contour of the knife-plate 28, which in this construction bears against said under side of the front edge of the cross-bar. Thus, in this modified construction, the recess 27 in the outer face of the cross-bar 8, as in the construction hereinbefore described, is eliminated, and the knife-plate 28, instead of being received by and clamped in such l'recess 27, is simply clamped against i the correspondingly curved convex front edge of the cross-bar 8. The clamping plate 29, in lieu of having its inner face curved in convex form, as hereinbefore described, has its inner face curved in concave form, as at 71, so that. it corresponds -to the outer curvature of the knife-plate 28 and to the convex curvature of the front edge 7 0V of the crossbar 8 and bea-rs against the outer face of the knife-plate 28, at the under side of the crossbar 8, to clamp the knife-plate against the curved edge 7 0 of the cross-bar, thel clamping screw-bolts 31 being assed through openings in the clamping p ate 29, through the slotted opening 33 in`the knife-plate 28 and into the threaded opening 32 in the cross-bar 8. In the construction just described, the position and contour of the knife-plate 28, with relation to the front edge of the cross-bar 8, is the saine as in the construction previously described, except that in the present construction the knifeplate itself constitutes the front edge of the cross-bar 8, and in the resistance ofthe knife in its cutting function it bears directly against the front edge of the cross-bar. T hisI modified construction thus presents a simplified arrangement, comparatively inexpensive in construct-ion and effective in opera-tion, providing a continuous flat outer surface for the cross-bar 8 and causing any strain upon Vthe knife to more firmly bind .it inoperative position against the cross-bar, This construction also enables a convenient and accurate adjustment of the knife-plate 28, by adjustment devices carried at the under side of the cross-har 8 and bearing against the rear edge of the knife-plate 28. These. adjustment devices preferably consist of screw-bolts, 72, carrying at their forward end heads, 7 3, having beveled recesses, 74, receiving the correspondingly beveled rear edge, as at 75, of the knife-plate 2S, said screw-bolts 72 being guided in lugs or projections, 76, upon the under side of the cross-bar 8, and carrying set-nuts, 77, bearing against said proj ect-ions 76, whereby said screw-bolts may bev adjusted vforwardly to move the knife-plates in a corresponding adjustment.

It will be noted that the cross-bars 8 are preferably provided at their outer rear edge, immediately in front of the cutting edge 35 of the adjacent knife-platev 28, with wearing strips, 78, extending transversely of the cross-bar and secured ina corresponding recess, 79, in the cross-bar, preferably by means of screw-bolts, as at 80, passing through said wearing strips and through the cross-bar.

The relative construction and arrangement is such that theseweari'ng strips may bc turned in their positional connection with the crossbar, to present their .different edges at the cipleof opening up the cutting surface for wear/ao my.

outer rear edge of the cross-bar, and t-hus compensate at that point for any Wear by action of the shaved clay passing between.

said edge and the cutting edge of the adj acent knife-plate.

The links of the chain 7 preferably run upon bearing strips, as at 81 (see Fig. 6), constituting the top surface of the side tracks or guide strips l1, which bearing strips 81 may be of liber or other suitable material and adapted to be lubricated. If desired, the top operative horizontal portion of the endless belt can run entirely upon the chain links bearing on the track surface 81 at the side strips 1l, andthe intermediate guide strips 11 can be eliminated,` thus entirely supporting the -belt upon the chain links and lavoiding Wear or friction upon the cross-bars 8 by the guide strips 11. -4 The operation and advantages of my invention and improvements lwill lbe readily understood by those skilled in the art to which they appertain.

In principle, the crude clay is subjected .to the action of a traveling cutting surface whereby it is shaved in comparatively small particles and such shavings constituting clean clay pass through such cutting surface to a point of delivery, While the stones and refuse matter are carried by the cutting surface to a separate point of deposit.

Inprinciple, the invention further involves the retarding of the crude clay and stones, during the action of the cutting surface, so that the material isl successively subjected to thev action'of the cutting surface and successively retained with relation to the cutting surface for subjection to such action. v

The invention further comprises the printhe release of such stones and hardv refuse matter as may have lodged in `the discharge openings of the cutting surface during the action of the latter upon the material. The

operation is thus continuous `and successive,

-Y edges is also an important vadvantage and affording a large capacity and rapidity of operation? and thorough effectiveness in the complete separation Aand cleaning of the clay.

The improved apparatus herein described Will, by reason of its construction and arrangement, separate both large and small pieces of stone and hard refuse matter,and particularly will not be'clogged 'by small stones -or pieces, but Will also effectively discharge .the latter, particularly by action of the cutting surface in its movement in the arc of a circle as hereinabove described. The self-sharpening feature of the cutting economy derived from my invention and improvements. The resulting product of the apparatus is a `pure -clay delivered 1n fine shavings, and in perfect cleaned condition, for the action ofthe mixing machine, which product is more readily susceptible to the action of Water in the mixing'machine than if it were delivered in large particles or lumps, and this product, enables the manufacture of all types of clay product, Whether vitriied or not, With economy, and in more perfect-condition and Without the defects usually heretofore experienced when small or -granulated stones and hard particles of refuse matter exist in the clayafter the attempt to separate and clean it and when it reaches the mixing machine.

y I do not desire to be understood as limiting myself to the detail construction and arrangement of parts as herein shown and described, as it is manifset that variations and modifications therein may be resorted to, in the adaptation of my invention to varying conditions ,of use, Without departing from the spirit and scope of my invention and improvements. I therefore reserve the right to all such variations and modifications as properly fall within the scope of my invention and the terms of the following claims.

Having thus described my invention, I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent:

1. In apparatus for separating stones from clay, a moving cutter surface operating to cut the clay and thereby separate the clay from the stones and refuse matter and having openings for the passage of the cut clay, and means for maintaining a continuous successive action* .of said cutter surface upon the crude clay and for simultaneously permitting the carriage of the stones and refuse matter upon the cutter surface in a continuous movement beyond the operative, cutting portion of said surface and to a point of deposit therefrom as they are separated from the crude clay in a simultaneous and continuous action during the movement of said surface and While the crude clay is subject to theaction of the cutter surface. l

2. In apparatus for separating stones from clay, a moving cutter surface having openings for the passage of the cut clay,

means for holding and retaining the crude passes `through said cutter surface to a point of deposit. and means for 'maintaining the carriage of the stones and refuse matter by and upon said cutter surface beyond the operative cutting portion of said surface and to a point of deposit therefrom.

ft. In apparatus for separating stones from clay, a moving cutter surface constituting a traveling carrier for the stones and refuse matter and having openings for the passage of the cut clay, mea-ns for .holding and retaining the crude clay in contact with said cutter surface, and trap means operating in the direction of the line of travel of .said moving cutter and carrier surface for ret-arding the carriage of the clay upon said moving cutter surface and for permitting the passage thereon of the stones and refuse matter.

5. In apparatus for separating sto-nes from clay, a moving cutter surface having' openings for the passage of the cut clay,

means for holding and retaining the crudeI clay in contact With said cutter surface, trap means for retarding the carriage of the clay upon said moving cutter surface and for permitting the passage thereon of the stones and refuse matter, and means for maintaining the carriage of the stones and refuse matter by and upon said cutter surface to a point of deposit therefrom.

6. In apparatus for separating stones from clay, a moving cutter surface constituting a traveling carrier for the stones and refuse matter and having openingsfor the passage of the cut clay, means for holding and retaining the crude clay in contact with said cutter surface, trap means for retarding the carriage of the cla)7 upon said moving cutter surface and for permitting the pas-l sage thereon of the stones and refuse matterq means beneath said moving carrier and cutter surface for collecting and depositing the cut cla3r which passes therethrough, and means for maintaining the carriage of the stones and refuse matter by and upon said cutter. surface to a pointfof deposit therefrom.

7. In apparatus for separating stones from clay, a moving cutter surface constituting a traveling carrier for the stones and refuse matter and havin-g openings for the passage of the cut clay, and trap means operating in the direction of the line of travel of said moving cutter and carrier surf-ace for retarding thc carriage of the clay upon said moving cutter surface and for'permitting the passage thereon of the stones and refuse matter.

8. In apparatus for separating stones from clay. a moving cutter surface having openings for the passage of the cut clay, and trap means for retarding the carriage of the clay upon said moving cutter surface and for permitting the passage thereon of the stones -'and refuse matter, said trap means being arranged in series to form -a closed independently-operating members or elements.

9. In apparat-us forl separating stones from clay, a moving cutter surface constituting a traveling carrier for the stones and refuse matter and having openings for the passage of the cnt clay, and gravity trap means operating in the direction of the line of travel of said moving cutter and carrier surface for retarding lthe carriage of the cla37 upon said inovingvcutter surface and for permitting the passage thereon of the stones and refuse matter.

10. In apparatus for separating stones from clay, a moving cutter surface having openings for the passage of the cut clay, and a closed Wall constituted by a series of independently-mounted swinging traps for retarding the carriage of the clay upon said moving cutter surface and for permitting the passage thereon of thestones and refuse matter.

11. In apparatus for separat-ing stones from clay, a moving cutter surface having openings for the passage of the cut clay, and a closed Wall constituted 4lov Weighted gravity trap means for retarding the carriage of the clay upon said moving cutter surface and for permitting the passage thereon of the stones and refuse matter.

12. In apparatus for separa-ting stones from clay, a moving cutter surface having openings for the passage of the cut clay, and a key-board of independently-mounted swinging traps collectively constituting a closed wall and assembled in a plane at an angle to the direction of movement of said cutter surface and independently operating to retard the carriage of the clay upon said moving cutter surface and to permit the passage thereon of the stones and refuse matter. 13. In apparatus for separating stones from clay, a moving cutter surface constituting a traveling carrier for the stones and refuse matter and having openings forthe passage of the cut clay, and trap means opening and closing With relation to said moving cutter and carrier surface. Y

14. In apparatus for separating stones from clay, a moving cutter surface traveling continuously in one direction and constituting a carrier for the stones and refuse matter and having openings for the passage of the cut clay, and a Wall at an angle to the direction of movement of said cutter surface, said wall being constituted by trap means opening and closing with relation to said moving cutter and carrier surface to retard the carriage of the clay upon said moving cutter surface and to permit the passage thereon -of the stones and refuse matter.

15. In` apparatus'ffomseparating stones iso continuously in one direction and constituting a carrier for the stones and refuse'matter and having openings for the passage of the cut clay, and a wall extending transversely of the direction of movement of said cutter surface and constituted by a continuous series of independent trap means opening and closing with relation to said moving carrier and cutter surface to retard the carriage of the clay upon` said moving cutter surface and to permit the passage thereon of the stones and refuse matter.

16. In apparatus for separating stones from clay, a moving cutter surface operating to cut the clay and thereby separate the clay from the stones and refuse matter and ,con-

ystituti'ng a carrier for the stones and refuse matter and having o-penings for the passage of the cut clay, a hopper mounted above said cutter and carrier surface and having its bottom constituted thereby, and means for permitting the egress of the stones and refuse matter from the hopper during vtheir carriage upon said cutter and carrier surface as they are separated from the crude-clay and while the material under action in the hopper is retarded and subject to the action of the cutter surface.

17. In apparatus for separating stones from cla-y, a feed hopper having a moving bottoln carrying cutting means and operating to cut the clay and thereby separate the clay from the stones and refuse mattei' and constituting a carrier for the stones and refuse matter, and means for permitting the egress of the stones and refuse matter from the hopper during their carriage upon said cutter and carrier surface as theyare separated from the crude clay and while the material under action in the hopper is retarded and subject to the action of the cutter surface.

18. In apparatus for separating stones from clay, a feed hopperhaving a moving bottom carrying cutting means, and operating to cut the clay and thereby separate the clay from the stones and 'refuse matter `and constituting a carrier for the stones and refuse matter and having openings for the passage of the cut clay, and means for permitting the egress of the stones and refuse matter from the hopper during their carriage upon said cutter and carrier surface as they are separated from the crude clay and while the material under action in the hopper is retarded and subject to the action of the cut-` te-r surface. .y

19. In apparatus for separating stones from clay, a moving cutter surface operating to cut the clay and thereby separate he clay from the stones and refuse matter and having openings for the passage of the cut clay,

a stationary hopper mounted above said cut-l ter surface and having its bottom constituted `thereby,:said hopper having its interior-area line of travel thereof, whereby the combined.

action of said moving cutter surface and said enlarged hopper area produces variable positions of the lumps of clay as they are carried by said moving cutter surface and retained within the hopper subject to the action of said surface, and means for automatically permitting the release and carriage of the stones and refuse mat-ter beyond said hopper and to a point of deposit.

20. In apparatus fo-r separating stones from clay, a moving cutter surface operating to cut the clay and thereby separate the clay from the stones and refuse matter and having openings for the passage of the cut clay, anda stationary hopper mounted 'above said cutter surface and having its bottom constituted thereby, said hopper having its front wall inclined downwardly and forwardly toward said moving cutter surface and in the direction of the line of travel thereof, whereby the combined action of said moving cutter surface and said inclined wall produces variable positions of the lumps of clay as they are carried by said moving cut-ter surface and retained within ythc hopper subject to the action of said surface.

21. In apparatus for separating stones from clay, a moving cutter surface traveling continuously in one direction and having openings for the passage of the cut clay, and means for retaining'the crude clay in contact with said cutter surface, said means comprising a wall projecting with relation to said moving surface and inclined downwardl y and forwardly in the direction of the line ofV travel thereof, whereby the lumps of clay will Abe turned under the combined action of said retaining wall and the moving cutter surface.

92. In apparatus for separating stones from clay, a hopper, a moving cutter surface having a platform portion constituting the bottom of said hopper and operatingto cut the clay and thereby separate the clay from the stones Vand refuse mattei' and having openings for the passage of the cut clay, said cutter surface traveling continuously in one direction beneath said hopper toward the front thereof, means at the fro-nt of the hopper for retarding and deflecting the forward movement of the lumps of clay as they travel under the action of said moving cutter surface, and means for permitting the release of the stones and refuse matter from said hopper as thev are separated from said retardedy andl deflected lumps of clay in a simultaneous and continuo-us movement While the retarded and deflected lumps of `crude clay are subject to the action of the cutter surface, whereby' the lumpsl of clay will be turned under the combined action of said retarding means and Vthe moving surand having openings for the passage of the' cut clay, a hopper mounted above said cutter surface and having an outlet opening at its lower forward end in the direction of the line of travel of said moving cutter and carrier surface, and'trap means operating in the vdirection of the line of travel of said moving'surface for opening and closing said hopper opening to retard the carriage of the clay upon said moving cutter surface and to permit the passage thereon of the stones and refusematter.

24. In apparatus for separating stones from clay, a moving cutter surface traveling continuously in one direction and constituting a carrier for the stones and refuse matter and having openings forv the passage of the cut clay, a hopper mounted above said cutter surface and having an .outlet opening at its lower forward end in the direction of the line of travel of said moving cutter and carrier surface, and an automatic control for opening and closing said hopper opening.

25. 1n apparatus for separating stones from clay, a moving cutter surface traveling continuously in one direction and constituting a carrier for the lstones and refuse matter, said cutter surface operating to cutthe clay and thereby separate the clay from the stones andl refuse matter and havin openings for the passage of the c ut clay, a opper mounted above said cutter and carrier surface and having its bottom constituted by the operative cutting portion thereof, said hopper being provided with an outlet opening for the stones and refuse matter in the direction of the line of travel of said moving surface and'immediately above said surface, and Vmeans for maintaining a continuous successive action of said cutter surface upon the crude clay and for simultaneously permitting the -carriage of the stones and refuse matter upon the cutter surface and through said opening in a continuous movementas y they are separated from the crude cla in a simultaneous and continuous action uring the movement of said surface and While the' crude clay is Subject .to the action of the operative cutting portion thereof. 26. In apparatus for separating stones u from clay, a moving cutter surface traveling Vcontinuously in one direction and constituting a carrier for the stones and refuse matter, said cutter surface operatingto out the clay and thereby separate the clay from the stones and refuse matter and having openings for the passage of the cut clay, a hopper mounted above said cutter and carrier surface and having its bottom constituted by the operative cutting portion thereof, said Vhopper being provided with an outlet opening for the sto-nes and refuse matter in thedirection of the line'of travel of said moving surface and immediately above said surface, and-fretarding means "mounted with relation to said 4hopper opening to retard thecar riage yof the clay upon said moving cutter surface and to simultaneously permit the carriage of the stones and refuse matter upon the cutter surface and through said opening in a continuous movement as they are separated from the crude cla-y in a simultaneous and continuous action during the movement of said surface and while the crude clay is subject to the action of the operative cutting portion thereof.

27. In apparatus for separating stones from clay, a hopper having an outlet opening at its lower forward end and comprising means operating to separate the clay from the stones and refuse matter while in the hopper, Isaid means comprising a moving surface 'traveling continuously in a direction toward saidoutlet opening ,and operating as a carrier for the stones and refuse matter and while the latter is subject to the action l of said separating means, and a closure for said outlet opening consisting of a closed wall constituted by a series of independently-mounted swinging traps to retard the passage of the clay from the hopper andindependently operating'to permit the. passage of the stones and refuse matter at individual points along said wall.

28. In apparatus for separating stones from clay, a hopper having an outlet opening at its lower forward end and comprising means operating to separate the'clay from the stones and refuse matter while in the hopper, said means comprising a moving surface traveling continuously in a direction toward said outlet opening and operating as a carrier for the stones and refuse matter as they are separated from the crude clay and while the latter is subject to the action of said. separating means, and an automatic closure for said outlet opening to retard the passage of the" clay from the hopper and to. permit the passage of the' stones and refuse matter during .the retarding action upon the clay. r

29. In apparatus for separating stones from clay, a hopper having an outlet opening at its lower forward end and comprising means operating `to separate the clay from the stones and refuse matter while in the hopper, said means comprising a 'moving' surface traveling continuously in a direction/ toward saidoutlet opening and operating as ioo a carrier for thevs'tones and "refuse matter as said separating means, and a gravity trap means constituting a closure for said outlet opening to retard the passage of the clay from the hopper and to permit the passage of the stones and refuse matter during the the hopper, said means comprising a moving surface traveling continuouslyn a direction toward said outlet opening and operating as a carrier for the stones and refuse matter as they are separated from the crude clay and while the` latter is subject to the actionof said separating means, and a key-board constituting a closed Wall for said outlet` opening and consisting of independently-operating trap keys to retard the passage of the clay from the hopper and independently operating to permit the passage of the stones and refuse matter at individual points along said wall.

3l. In Aapparatus for separating stones from clay, a moving cutter surface operating to eut the clay and thereby separate the clay from the stones and refuse matter and constituting a carrier for the stones and refuse matter as they are separated from the crude clay and .Wliile the unseparated material is subject tothe actionof the cutter surface, said cutter and carrier surface having openings for the passage of the cut clay', and a key-board mounted above said moving cntter and carrier surface and consisting of independently-operating trap keys to retard the passage of the clay upon said moving@ cutter surface and to permit the passage thereon of the stones and refuse matter .during the retarding action upon the clay.

3Q. In apparatus Vfor separating stones a baille mounted above sa'd moving cutter surface and-comprising me ns for retarding the clay upon said moving cutter Surface and for permitting the passage thereon of the stones and refuse matter.

34. In apparatus for. separating stones from clay, a moving cutter surface having openings for the passage of the cut clay, a battle mounted above'said moving cutter surface and comprising means for retardingY the :lll

clay upon said moving cutter surface and for permitting the Vpassage thereon of the stones and refuse matter, and a drag for bearing upon the material Within said baille. In apparatus for separating stones from clay, a moving cutter surface having openings for the passage, of the cuty clay, a balilc mounted above said moving cutter surface and comprising means for retarding the clay-upon said moving cutter surface and for permitting the passage thereon of the stones andgrefuse mattei',Y and a pivotally-monnted drag for bearing upon the material within said baille.

3G. In apparatus for separating stones from clay, a moving cutter surface having openings for the passage of the -cut clay, a baille mounted above said moving cutter surface and comprising means for retarding the clay upon said moving cutter surface and for permitting the passage thereon of the stones and refuse mattei', and a weighted drag for bearing upon the material Within said baille.

37. In apparatus for separating stones from clay, a moving cutter surface having openings for the passage of the cut clay, a baille mounted above said moving cutter surface and comprising means for retarding the clay upon said moving cutter surface and for permitting the passage thereon of the stones and refuse matter, and a pivotally-mounted Weighted drag for bearing upon the material within said baille.

38. In apparatus' for separating stones from clay, a moving cutter surface having openingsl for thepassageof the cut clay, a

baille mounted above said movingcutter sur-- the'clay upon said moving cutter surface and for permitting the passage thereon of the stones and refuse matter, and means for bearing upon the material Within said baille.

39. In apparatus for separating stones from'clay, a moving cutter surface having openings for the passage of the cut clay, a baille mounted above said moving cutter surface gud con'iprising means for retarding the clay upon said moving cutter surface and for permitting the passage thereon of the stones and refuse matter, and a closure for said baffle.

40. In apparatus for separating 'stones from clay, a moving cutter surface having openings for the passage of the cut clay, a baille mounted above said moving cutter surface and comprising means for retardingthe stones and refuse matter, anda closure for' said baille operative upwardly and'dovvn'- Wardly within the baille.

41. In apparatus for separating stones loo4 from clay, a moving Acutter surface having' openings for the passage of the cut clay,

and a baffle mounted above said moving cutter surface and having yielding bottom edges to retard the clay upon said moving cutter surface and to permit the passage thereon of the stones and refuse matter.

42.v In apparatus for separating stones from clay, a moving cutter surface having openings for the passage of the cut clay, a bathe/mounted above said moving cutter-'surface, and trap means at the bottom of the batiie to retard the ciay upon said moving cutter surface aud to permit the passage thereon of the stones and refuse matter. 43. In apparatus for separating .stones from clay, a moving cutter surface having openings for the passage of the cu't clay, and a baiie mounted above said moving cutter surface and provided with a trap outlet to retard the clay upon said moving cutter surface`and to permit'the passage thereon of the stones and refusematter. i

44. In apparatus for A sepai'ating stones fi'om c1aya moving cutter surface having.

ropenings for the passage of the cnt clayf and a bathe mounted above said moving cutter surface and having opening and closing side portions to retard the clay upon said moving cutter surface and to pe-rmit the passage thereon of the stones and refuse matter.

45. In apparatus for separating stones from clay, a moving cutter surface having openings for the passage of the. cntv clay, and a baffle mounted'above said moving cutter surface andhaving its rear wall constituted by trap means for r'etai'diiig theelay'v upon said moving cutter surface and for permitting the passage thereon of the stones and refuse matter.

4(`. In apparatus for separating stones from clay, a moving cutter surface having openings for the passage of the cut clay, and a battlemounted above said moving cutter surface and having its rear WallVA constituted by a series of independeutty-operating trap means for 1'etding the clay' upon said moving' cutter surface and to permit the passage thereon of the stones an'l refuse matter.

47. In apparatus for separating stones lfrom clay, a moving cutter surface having openings for the passage of the cut clay, a batiie mounted above said movingcutter surface, and a 4transverse retarding ivall arranged with relation to the front portion .of the batiie and extending across the plane means at the bottom of said retarding Wall for retarding the clay upon said moving cutter surface and for lpermitting the passage thereon ofthe stones and refuse matter.

49. In apparatus for separating stones from clay, a moving cutter surface having openings for the assage of the cut clay, a batie mounted a ove said movino` cutter surface and having'` convergent side walls, trap means comprised in said side walls of the baiie for retardingthe clay upon saidmoving cutter surface'and for permitting the passage thereon of the stones and refuse matter, a transverse retarding Wall arranged Withrelation lto the front portion of the baiie and extending across the plane of movement of the portion of said cutter surface at the sides ofthe baiiie, and trap means-comprised in said transverse retarding wall for retarding the carriage of the clay upon said moving cutter surface and for permittino' the passage thereon of the stones and refbuse matter.

50. In apparatus for separating stones from clay, a moving cutter surface having openings for the passage of the cut c1ay, a baie mounted above said moving cutter surface, trap means constituting the rear Wall of said bafe for retarding the clay upon said moving cutter surface and for permitting the passage thereon of the stones and refuse matter, and a retarding `wail arranged at the front portion of thebaifie al1/rd" extending across the plane of movement of `the portion of said cutter surface at the sides of the baffle.

51. In apparatus for. separating 'stones from clay7 a moving c utter surface having openings,- for the passage of the cut clay,y a bathe-mounted above said moving cutter surface and having convergent side Walls, trap means constituting the inlet to the baftie, for retarding. the clay upon said moving cutter surface and for permitting-the passage thereon of the stones and refuse matter, and a retarding wall arranged at the trent portion of the battle and extending across the piane of move-ment of thepor- 'tionof said 4cutter surface at the sides of the baie.

52. In apparatus for separating stones vfrom clay, a moving cutter surface having openings for the passage of the cut clay, a battle mounted above said moving cutter surface and having convergent side waits, trap means comprisedin the side Walls of the batiie for retaiding the clay upon said moving cutter surface and for permitting front portion of the baiile and extending I across the plane of movement of the portion of said cutter surface' at the sides of the bafiie, and trap means comprised in said rctarding Wall for retarding the clay upon said moving cutter surface and for permitting-,the passage thereon of the stones and refuse matter,

,/53. In apparatus for separating stones from clayy'a moving cutter surface having /oeninvs for the Jassaqe of the cutclav. P l: L l, a

a baie mounted above said moving cutter surface, and inlet means for said batiie constituted by traps for retarding the clay upon said moving cutter surface and for perm-itt-ing the passage thereon of the stones and refuse matter.

.54. In apparatus for separating stones from clay, a moving cutter surface having openings for the passage of the cut clay,

and a retarding Wall mounted above said cutter surface at. an angle'with relation to the direction of movement thereof and having a yielding bottom edge to retard the clay upon said moving cuttersurfacc and to permit the passage thereon of the stones and refuse matter. 4

. 55. In apparatus for separating stones from clay. a moving cutter surface having openings for the passage of the cut cla-y, a retarding Wall mounted above said cutter surface at an angle With relation to the direction of movement thereof, and trap means at thel bottom of said retarding wall to retard the clay .upon said moving 'cutter surface and to permit the passage thereon of the stones and refuse matter. 56. In apparatus for separating, stones from clay, a moving cutter surface having openings for the passage of the cut clay, a retarding Wall mounted above said cutter surface at an angle with relation-tothe direction of movement thereof, and means comprised in said Wall for retarding the clay upon said moving cutter surface and for permitting the passage thereon of the stones and refuse matteru i 57. In apparatus for separating stones from clay, a moving cutter surfaceoperating to cut the clay and thereby separate the clay from thestones and 'refuse matter and having openings for the `passage of the cut clay, cutting edges projecting at said open` iiigs for acting upon the clayvvhile it is retarded upon said moving cutter surface?- and `means for maintaining the carriage of" the stones and refuse matter upon'said cutter surface in a continuous movement beyond the operative cutting portion of said surface and to a point of deposit therefrom as they .are separated from the cruderclay inl a simultaneousand continuous action during,

the movemnt of said surface and While the crude `clav is subject to the action of the r cutter surface.

58. In apparatus for separating stones from clay, a moving cut-ter surface operating to cut the clay and thereby 4separate the. clay from the stones and refuse matter and having openings extending transversely across said moving surface for the passage of. the cut clay, cutting edges projecting at said openings and extending transversely across said surface for act-ing upon the clay While it is retarded upon said moving cutter surface. 'and means for maintaining the carriage of the stones and refuse matter upon said cutter surface in a continuous movement beyond the operative cutting portion of said surface and to a point of deposit therefrom as they are separated from the crude clay in a simultaneous and continuous action during the movement of said surfaceand While the crude clayis subject to the action of the cutter surface.

59. In apparatus for separating stones from clay, avmoving cutter surface operating to cut the clay and thereby separate the clay from the stones and refuse matter and having va successive series of openings for the passage of the cut clay. a successive series of cutting edges projecting at said openings for acting upon the clay While it is retarded upon said moving cutter surface, the

series arrangement being such that said cutting edges conjointly act upon theretarded clay, and means for maintaining the car-l riage of the stones and refuse 'matter upon said cutter surface in a continuous movement beyond the operative cutting portion of said surface and to a point of deposit therefrom as they are separated from the crude clay in a simultaneous and continuous action during the movement of said surface and While the crude clay is subject to the action of the cutter surface.

60. In apparatus for separating stones from clay7 a moving cutter surface operating to cut the clay and thereby separate the clay from the stones and refuse matter and having throughout its entire area in the plane of movement successive openings for the passage of the cut clay, cut-ting edges projecting at each of said openings for acting upon the clay While it is retarded upon said moving cutter surface, and means for maintaining the carriage of the stones and refuse mat-ter upon said cutter surface ,in al continuous movement beyond the operatlve cutting portion of said surface and to a point of deposit therefrom as they are separated from the crude clay lin a simultaneous and continuous action during the movement of said surface and While the crude clay is subject to the action of the cutter surface.

61. In apparatus for separating stones from clay, a moving cutter surface operating to cut the clay and therebykseparate the clay from the vstones and refuse matter and having a continuous series of openings for the passage of the cut clay, cutting edges projecting at said openings for actingupon the clay while it is retarded upon said movand to a point of deposit therefrom as they 'are separated from the crude clay in a simultaneous and continuous action during the movement of said surface and While the .crude clay is subject to the action'of the cutter surface.

62. In apparatus for separating stones from clay, a moving cutter surface operating to cut the clay and thereby separate the clay lfrom the stones and refuse matter and constituted by transverse strips spaced apart to form openings for the passage of the cut clay, cutting edges projecting at the .front of each of said strips Iat said openings for acting upon the clay While it is retarded upon said moving cutter surface, and means for maintaining the carriage of the stones. and refuse matter upon said cutter 'Surface in a continuous movement beyond the operative cutting portion of said surface and to a point of deposit therefrom as they are separated froni the crude clay in a simultaneous and continuous action during the movement of said surface and While the crude clay is subject to the action of the cutter surface.

63. In apparatus for separating stones from clay, a moving cutter surface operating to cut the clay and thereby separate the clay from the stones and refuse matter and constituted by transverse strips in a continuous co-acting series and spaced apart to form openings for the passage of the cut clay, cutting edges projecting at the front of said strips in a-continu'ous co-acting series at said openings for acting upon the clay While it is retarded upon said moving cutter surface, and means for maintaining the carriage of the stones and refuse matter upon said cutter surface in a continuous movement beyond the operative cutting portion of said surface and to a point of deposit therefrom as they are separated from the crude clay in a simultaneous and continuous action during the movement of said surface andvvhile the -crude clay is subject to the action of the cutf ter surface. l Y

64. In apparatus for separating stones from clay, a moving cutter surface operating to cut the clay and thereby separate the clay from the stones and refuse matter and having openings for the passage of the cut clay,

said surface comprising link members arranged in successive series and cutting edges' respectively carried by said link members in series for acting upon the clay while it..is

' upon .moving cutter surface, and means for mainretarded upon saidmoviiigl cutter surface, and means for maintaining the carriage of the stones and refuse matter upon said cutter surface in a continuous movementbeyond the operative cutting portion of said surface and to a point of deposit therefrom as they are separated from the crude clay in a simultaneous and continuous action.. during the movement of said surface and while the crude 'clay is subject'to the action of the cutter surface.

65. In apparatusv for separating stones from clay, a moving cutter surface operating to cut the 'clay and thereby separate the clay` from the stones and refuse matter and having openings for the passage of the cut clay, said surface being constituted by sprocketchains and members having cutting edges and respectively carried by the pivotal elements ofA said sprocket-chains for acting the clay While it is retarded upon said taining the carriage of the stones and refuse matter upon said cutter surface in a co/n-v tinuous movement beyond the operative cutt-ing portion of said surface and to a point of deposit therefrom as they are 4separated from the crude clay in a simultaneous and continuous action during the movement of said surfaceand While lthe crude cla-y is 'subject to the action of the cutter surface.

66. In apparatus -for separating stones from `c1aya moving cutter surface operating to cut the clay and thereby separate the clay from the stones and refuse matter and having openings for the passage of the cut clay,l said surface being constituted byV linlrniembers arranged in series at each side and crossstrips carrying cutting edges projectingat their front and respectively carried by each of the opposite pairs of link members and spaced apart, whereby said cutting edges act in continuous successive series upon the clay while it is carried upon said moving cutter surface,vand means for maintaining the carriage of the stones and refuse matter-upon said cutter surface in a continuous movement to a point of deposit therefrom as they areseparated from'tlie crude `clay in a simultaneous and continuous action during the movement o'f said surface and While the crude clay is subject to the action Aof the cutter surface.

traveling carrier for the stones and refuse matter and having openings for the passage of the cut clay, means -for retaining the crude clay subject to the action-of the operative cutting portion of said surface, means for' permitting .the carriage of the stones and refuse matter upon thecutter surface beyond the operative cutting portion thereof and to a point of deposit therefrom as 

